Royal Caribbean cruises include your stateroom, dining at main venues like the buffet and Main Dining Room, onboard entertainment, pools, sports facilities, and basic beverages like water and iced tea.
For specialty restaurants, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, and gratuities, though, they’re going to cost extra. And if you decide to get premium experiences, like Star Class, expect to have added perks such as complimentary specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, and a personal concierge.
Knowing what’s covered in your fare helps you plan and budget for optional upgrades like drink packages or exclusive dining. With plenty of included amenities and activities, a Royal Caribbean cruise delivers value while offering options to customize your experience. This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to expect.
Table of Contents
Your Accommodations
Every Royal Caribbean cruise fare includes your stateroom, where you’ll sleep, relax, and recharge. The type of stateroom you choose depends on your budget and preferences. You can opt for an interior room, one with an ocean view, or a balcony. If you’re splurging, there are luxurious suites available too.
Each room includes essentials like a bed, private bathroom, TV, and storage space. And don’t worry. You won’t need to make your bed or clean up. Daily housekeeping is included to keep your room fresh and tidy.
If you choose a suite, especially in the Star Class category, you’ll get extras like priority boarding and access to a personal concierge called a Royal Genie.
Dining Options
Food is a big deal on Royal Caribbean cruises and the best part? Most of it is included in your fare. You’ll have plenty of dining options to choose from. The Main Dining Room serves multi-course meals with changing menus, so you can try something new each night.
For a more laid-back vibe, the Windjammer Buffet has a variety of dishes all day long. Feel like pizza? Sorrento’s Pizza is open late, so you can grab a slice whenever you want.
On some ships, you might also find other included spots like Park Café for quick bites or El Loco Fresh for Mexican food. However, some restaurants, like Chops Grille or Izumi, cost extra. These specialty dining options offer premium experiences, like sushi or steak, for an additional fee.
Entertainment
One of the best things about Royal Caribbean cruises is the entertainment, and most of it is part of your fare. You can watch Broadway-style shows, live music, and comedy acts without paying anything extra.
There are outdoor movie nights, perfect for relaxing under the stars. Pools and hot tubs are included too, so you can take a dip anytime.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the FlowRider surf simulator, go ice skating, or climb the rock wall. All without extra charges. A few activities, like zip-lining or laser tag, might have small fees, but there’s more than enough included to keep you busy.
Drinks
When it comes to beverages, some are included, and others are not. You can enjoy water, iced tea, lemonade, and basic juices at no extra cost. But if you want sodas, specialty coffee, or alcoholic drinks, those will cost extra.
Drink packages are available if you plan to enjoy cocktails or fancy lattes during your trip. These packages can save you money if you know you’ll drink more than a few a day.
Extras You’ll Pay For
While Royal Caribbean cruises include a lot, there are some extras you’ll need to budget for, such as:
- Specialty Restaurants: As mentioned earlier, premium dining spots like Chops Grille or Wonderland aren’t part of your fare. These places offer something special, but they come with an additional charge.
- Alcoholic Beverages: If you want beer, wine, or cocktails, you’ll need to pay for those unless you’ve bought a drink package.
- Spa Services: A relaxing massage or facial sounds great, but spa treatments are not included in your fare.
- Excursions: When you stop at ports, excursions like snorkeling, guided tours, or zip-lining are extra.
- Gratuities: Tips for the crew, like your room steward or dining staff, aren’t included. These can be prepaid or added to your onboard account.
Premium Experiences
If you’re looking to take your cruise to the next level, Star Class might be for you. This is available on select ships and offers some incredible perks.
You’ll get complimentary specialty dining, so you can eat at premium restaurants without worrying about extra charges. Beverage packages are included too, so you can enjoy unlimited drinks, including cocktails and specialty coffee.
Wi-Fi, gratuities, and access to a personal concierge (the Royal Genie) are all part of the Star Class experience. It’s like having a VIP pass for your entire cruise.
Activities for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers
Royal Caribbean cruises have something for everyone. If you’re traveling with kids, the Adventure Ocean program offers activities for all age groups. From toddlers to teens, there’s a space designed just for them.
Adults can relax at the Solarium, an adults-only pool area that’s quiet and peaceful. For couples, there’s live music and dancing, perfect for date nights. And if you’re traveling solo, group activities and events make it easy to meet people.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who just wants to chill by the pool, there’s no shortage of options.
Ready to Experience What’s Included in Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Now that you know what is included in Royal Caribbean cruises, it’s time to plan your dream vacation.
With so many dining options, entertainment, and activities included, your cruise fare offers incredible value. Plus, knowing what costs extra (like specialty dining, spa services, and excursions) makes it easy to budget for the extras that matter most to you.
If you’re ready to book, Chima Travel can help you find the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether it’s your first cruise or your tenth, our experienced team is here to make the process simple and stress-free. Contact us today to get started and experience the vacation of a lifetime!
